WASHINGTON - Long Island Republican Rep. Peter King tells The Associated Press he is preparing for a run for the New York Senate, even if that means facing off against Caroline Kennedy for the seat now held by Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton.

King said Tuesday he is "seriously considering the race for Hillary Clinton's seat," and adds that state GOP chairman Joseph Mondello "supports me 100 percent."

King says he will meet with campaign aides next week to discuss fundraising.

King's announcement is the latest twist in a political drama over who will succeed Clinton if she's confirmed as Barack Obama's secretary of state.

Clinton's successor would be appointed by New York Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat, and there are about a dozen Democrats vying for that position.

A friend of soon-to-be-former GOP Rep. Vito Fossella, King is well-known to Staten Island Republicans.

The former chairman and current ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, King has visited the Island more than once to discuss anti-terrorism measures and other issues. This year he endorsed Republican Bob Straniere's run for the Fossella seat.

"I love it," said City Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn), who said that the independent King had managed to be a "maverick without making himself inconsequential."

"He's honest and forthright, and willing to speak frankly on the issue of terrorism," Oddo said.

While saying it was "too early" to make an endorsement, Assemblyman Lou Tobacco (R-South Shore) said it was "encouraging and inspiring that Mr. King is being so pro-active, given the state of affairs in our party. It shows we are alive and well."

Tobacco added, "He's a good man, and a stand-up guy. He has served our regional area well in terms of homeland-security issues."

Another borough Republican applauded King for standing by Fossella throughout the scandal that surrounded the congressman this year.

"He didn't need to put himself in harm's way," the Republican said. "It was easy for people to slam Vito, but Peter stuck with him. I admire that."